Bernie Cahill is a founding partner of Activist Artists Management, a talent and media management firm known for handling globally recognized music acts, actors, and entertainment properties. With decades of experience spanning music, television, philanthropy, and corporate leadership, Cahill has positioned himself as a multifaceted figure in the modern entertainment industry.
His career reflects a consistent strategy—elevating talent through long-term vision, strategic collaborations, and social impact. From managing iconic musicians like members of the Grateful Dead to advising on major television productions and founding nonprofit initiatives, Cahill’s work goes beyond entertainment into advocacy and sustainability.
Building Activist Artists Management
In 2018, Bernie Cahill co-founded Activist Artists Management with a focus on blending commercial strategy with social responsibility. The company operates across Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, and New York, representing artists across music, film, and television. Notably, Cahill plays a direct role in shaping the careers of musicians like Bobby Weir, Dead & Company, Dwight Yoakam, and The Lumineers.
Dead & Company, the post-Grateful Dead project, has grown under Cahill’s co-management (in collaboration with Azoff/Moir) into a top stadium-touring act. Over multiple years, the band has consistently placed in Pollstar’s Top 25 Worldwide Tours. The Lumineers, another client, achieved a Top 10 placement in North American Tours for their “III: The World Tour.”
Activist Artists Management has also taken steps toward climate-conscious touring. The Lumineers’ North American tour incorporated 150% carbon offsets in collaboration with Reverb, making it a “climate positive” endeavor—a rare commitment in the music industry.
Representation in Acting and Television
Beyond music, Cahill leads Activist’s talent division in representing actors. His client list includes Academy Award and Tony nominee Ken Watanabe and three-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier. Cahill played a role in securing major television roles for both actors in 2020. Watanabe was cast in Michael Mann’s Tokyo Vice for HBO Max, while Grier starred opposite Jamie Foxx in Netflix’s Dad, Stop Embarrassing Me.
Cahill also oversees Activist’s film and TV production arm. The firm currently manages six projects in various stages of development or production with prominent industry entities such as FX, Universal Content Partners, Endeavor Content, WME, and HBO Max. This slate reflects his diversification into media production, aligning talent with platforms across broadcast and streaming.
Strategic Partnership with All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Cahill advises Tony Khan, founder of AEW (All Elite Wrestling), a fast-rising global sports entertainment brand. Under Cahill’s guidance, AEW negotiated a programming deal with WME, resulting in over 400 hours of primetime content to be broadcast on TNT through 2024. This partnership elevated AEW’s market position in a competitive sports media landscape.
Cahill’s involvement in AEW demonstrates his ability to manage and advise within non-traditional entertainment formats. While AEW is distinct from the artist management or film production sectors, it benefits from the same long-term strategic vision that Cahill applies across all his projects.
Social Impact and Philanthropy
Cahill’s work extends into the philanthropic world through initiatives like the Activist Foundation and the Activist Fellowship. These programs support advocacy leaders and social entrepreneurs across the globe. The foundation’s first fellow, Nasreen Sheikh, is a survivor of child labor who now leads efforts for women’s empowerment in Nepal. The fellowship highlights Cahill’s intention to tie success in entertainment with meaningful global change.
In parallel with his foundation work, Cahill has held numerous board positions at socially driven organizations. He served as co-chair of the USO Entertainment Advisory Council, supporting service members through morale-building entertainment initiatives. He also participated in nonprofit groups like InsideOUT Writers, which works with incarcerated youth, and the Facing Forward Foundation.
Governance and Industry Leadership
Cahill contributes to guiding the entertainment industry’s direction through his leadership role within the Los Angeles Chapter of The Recording Academy. He is a current Governor of the Los Angeles Chapter, a position he has held since 2020. Before that, he served as an advisor on the same chapter’s governance board.
His involvement with the Recording Academy reflects his interest in advocating for artist rights and ethical industry standards. It also places him at the center of conversations around streaming economics, diversity, and creator protections in the music industry.
Career Foundations at ROAR Management
Before launching Activist Artists Management, Cahill was a partner and founder at ROAR Management, a Beverly Hills-based company. At ROAR, he built and led the music division, managing clients such as the Zac Brown Band, who went on to win multiple GRAMMY Awards.
This experience solidified Cahill’s expertise in identifying talent and scaling careers. ROAR operated as a full-service agency that integrated management, branding, and creative direction, laying the foundation for his current approach at Activist.
Legal Background and Certifications
Cahill holds bar memberships in both Tennessee and Illinois. He earned admission to the Tennessee State Bar in 1999 and the Illinois State Bar in 1998. While he is not known primarily for practicing law, his legal background gives him a distinct advantage when negotiating contracts, structuring corporate partnerships, and navigating intellectual property matters.
The intersection of legal training and entertainment strategy provides a unique value proposition for clients seeking not only representation but also long-term career management with built-in risk oversight.
Corporate and Nonprofit Board Roles
In addition to his entertainment and philanthropic work, Cahill has contributed to corporate boards. He was a board member of Genius Brands International (Nasdaq: GNUS), now operating as Kartoon Studios. During his six-year tenure (2014–2020), the company expanded its portfolio in children’s entertainment and education, aligning with Cahill’s interest in content that promotes learning and creativity.
Cahill also served as Vice President and Board Member of the Kanye West Foundation between 2007 and 2009. The foundation worked to support at-risk youth through education and arts programming. Other board affiliations have included Ripe Digital Entertainment and InsideOUT Writers, adding to his legacy of combining media expertise with social impact.
Management Philosophy
Cahill’s management philosophy emphasizes sustainable growth, cross-medium representation, and values-driven decision-making. His roster includes artists from a range of genres and disciplines, and he tailors representation strategies to the unique needs of each client.
Whether he’s working with a rock band, a classical actor, or a film production, his process includes brand development, long-term touring strategy, and engagement with philanthropic causes. This holistic method has made him a trusted advisor in an industry often characterized by transactional relationships.
Expanding Influence in Film, TV, and Streaming
Cahill’s ongoing production work includes a slate of scripted and non-scripted projects. These span traditional cable platforms like FX to modern streaming services such as HBO Max. By expanding Activist’s involvement in content development, he continues to shape narratives not only around his clients but around cultural topics that reflect broader social issues.
His ability to work with major networks and studios, while maintaining a commitment to activism, sets Activist apart in an increasingly competitive entertainment management landscape.
Conclusion
Bernie Cahill’s career encompasses music management, television production, corporate governance, and social entrepreneurship. From building one of the most consistent touring acts in the U.S. to developing a climate-positive concert model, his impact is visible across multiple entertainment domains.
At Activist Artists Management, he has created a platform where commercial success supports broader social missions. His work with Dead & Company, AEW, and The Lumineers demonstrates a practical understanding of audience development and event monetization. His board and foundation roles illustrate a commitment to giving back.
FAQs
1. Who does Bernie Cahill manage?
Bernie Cahill manages artists including Dead & Company, Bobby Weir, Dwight Yoakam, The Lumineers, Empire of the Sun, and Frankie Ballard.
2. What is Activist Artists Management?
It’s a talent and media management firm co-founded by Bernie Cahill, representing musicians, actors, and producing media projects.
3. What are Cahill’s contributions to AEW?
Cahill advised Tony Khan and helped negotiate AEW’s major content deal with TNT, ensuring 400 hours of prime-time programming.
4. What philanthropic work is Bernie Cahill involved in?
He founded the Activist Foundation and Fellowship and has supported organizations like the USO and InsideOUT Writers.
5. What is Bernie Cahill’s legal background?
He is a licensed attorney in Tennessee and Illinois, giving him legal insight that supports his work in entertainment management.
